Garden Party IV

It's that time of year again,  Garden Life weekend. And this year it did not even rain (although there's still plenty of time for the obligatory apocalyptic downpour to happen – but it wouldn't be Garden Life without it).

I want to live in that little crooked house...

Hot-tubs and tie-dye (who needs Coachella?)

 There was the most amazing junkyard art installation, which included a chainsaw guitar 

and this little guy (I'm in love):

 Wanna see more? 

2012, 2013 & 2014 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Summer Black

I did not own a black piece of clothing until I was at least 16,  which is maybe why I am making up for it now. While everyone else is pulling out their white jeans, I'm loving an all-black look for summer, and no one does that better than Emma Stone:

No matter if it's super casual...

picture source

 …or all dressed up:

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There are two secrets to rocking all black ensembles in the summer: minimal accessories and a good amount of skin. The key is to keep it as light as possible, no heavy shoes, chunky necklaces, or over the top bags – just because it is black does not mean that it can't be airy.  When it comes to dressier looks, it is all about cut-outs, sheer panels, and bare backs. 

And no matter if you're opting for a minimalistic racerback tank or an embroidered statement top, there is nothing more versatile than the "little black top":

New Look, Zara, H&M

What's your take on wearing all black for summer? 

Yay or nay? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

The Best Flats

I have both been blessed and cursed with ridiculously narrow feet. Blessed because I never have to worry about shoes being too tight, cursed because it can be a nightmare to find shoes that I don't fall out off.  This usually isn't much of an issue in the winter when I can just put on a pair of thick boot socks and be good to go. But in the summer it is more than just a little annoying.

I've never been a sneaker girl, the occasional pair of Vans or Keds is fun,  but I don't feel dressed unless I'm wearing a pair of "proper" shoes, and in the warmer months that usually means ballet flats, but finding some that fit and look good seems almost impossible – especially when you are shopping on a budget.  

Finding narrow designer flats isn't hard (the more a shoe costs the smaller it seems to run), and while shoes are usually the one thing I love to splurge on, there is no faster way to waste money than to spend it on a pair of flats for running around in all day (yay cobblestone streets!).  

Last year I got lucky with a pair of Zara flats, but they fell victim to an apocalyptic rainstorm, and sadly aren't available anymore. I had almost given up, when I stumbled across these:  

The softest leather, and fit like a glove - and are on the affordable side. I couldn't ask for more.

I couldn't find the black ones online, but  Amazon has  them in gold and a few other colors, and Ebay is also your friend. I'm definitely considering  getting a back up pair if my love for them doesn't decline during the next few weeks.  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Zucchini Fries

Happy May!  I know I'm late, but you know exams... But to make up for the lack of posts, I am going to share my favorite snack ever: zucchini fries. 

After kale and brussels sprouts, zucchinis seem to be the vegetable of the moment, and I couldn't be happier about it.  I love to just cut them up and cook them in the air fryer, or use them as a healthy spaghetti substitute, but if I do have a little more time Zucchini fries are the way to go. And unlike regular fries, these things are actually good for you. 

picture

You need (serves two):

1 large zucchini

2 Eggs

Flour 

Breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F,  line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and cut the zucchini into sticks – you can make them as thick or thin as you want (the thicker you make them, the longer your fries will have to bake).  Fill a plastic bag with flour add the sticks, and shake (you can also coat every stick individually but this is a huge timesaver).  Put the eggs into a bowl, and add the flour coated sticks. One last stop in the breadcrumb bowl and on to the baking sheet they go...  Bake until they are golden brown (depending on the size of your fries, this can take anything from 10 to 25 minutes), and enjoy! 

What's your favorite way to eat zucchini? 

Peace, Love, and Lobster
Laura

Study Groove

I just realized that it has been way too long since my last playlist,  so today I have a very special treat: my study tunes! I've mentioned before that I can't study in silence,  and while apps like Coffitivity are perfect non-distracting white noise machines, sometimes it is just a little more fun to study with music (if the subject allows it). 

I believe that the secret behind a perfect study playlist is balance, too mellow and it will make you sleepy, too upbeat and it will be distracting. It should, however, always end on a high note,  something that screams "break time!" (seriously, singing along to your favorite song can be an amazing way to clear your head and re-energize).  Finally, my number one tip is to avoid songs that remind you of TV shows.  I know it sounds silly, but  there is nothing more annoying than the sudden desire to watch the Forever Pilot just because that one Beck song popped up in your playlist… And yes, I realize that I included the Virgin Suicides theme song, but it is somehow different with movie soundtracks (The Last Kiss soundtrack got me through more all-nighters than I can count). 

Listen on Spotify

What is your favorite study soundtrack? 

And good luck to anyone studying for something! 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

The Best

The best, that is exactly what this little sweater is. The cropped sleeves, the little buttons, the navy anchor...  I am pretty sure I found spring's best sweater. And it's from H&M (their sweater game is on point this season), which means it is super affordable, too.  

H&M sweater

Whatcha still doing here? Go get it!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Couch-ella

I am not at Coachella, but I'm not gonna dwell on that or spend hours on Tumblr envying those who are (ok, maybe I did that yesterday), because who says that I can't enjoy it from my couch? 

And no one's stopping me from dressing up either. It would, of course, be a little silly to go all out for watching a livestream, but these toned down looks are definitely couch appropriate: 

Wildfox  Jumper / Plaid Fringe Top / Paige Denim Skinny Jeans / Whistles Boyfriend Jeans, / Steve Madden Fringe booties / Vans / Steve Madden Sandals / H&M cotton scarf / H&M for Coachella glasses

No you just gotta tune in, enjoy, and repeat the whole thing next weekend.

Who was your fave act this year?

Coachella

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Tassle-Town

I've always had a thing for fringe (or tassles), especially on bags.  One of my most used bags is actually  a little fringe number that I got at H&M a couple of years ago: 

While I don't think that I'll ever find a bag that I love as much as mine, I wouldn't mind a second one to add to the rotation. And there are so many great options:

Rebecca Minkoff  / H&M / Karen Millen  / /Proenza Schouler / 

Topshop  / Yves Saint Laurent 

The Rebecca Minkoff one is hands down my favorite, it's the perfect size and color. So if I am going to buy one bag this year it is probably going to be that one. 

Are you happy that fringe is making a comeback?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura